Segments in this Video

Police Officer: Main Duties and Responsibilities (00:46)

Lieutenant Jason Null, of the Frederick County Sheriff's office in Maryland, supervises six patrol teams. The teams respond to emergency calls and handle traffic violations.

Police Officer: Career Beginnings (00:52)

Null earned college credits while interning with the Frederick County sheriff's office. He worked in Richmond for five years before returning to Frederick, Maryland.

Police Officer: Keys for Success (01:30)

Avoid behaviors that will prevent a career in law enforcement such as: drug abuse and criminal activities. Those with college and/or military experience will be considered before those with only a high school diploma.

Police Officer: Education and Certification Requirements (02:12)

Training begins with a rigorous police academy. Field training follows and lasts 10 to 12 weeks, after which the new recruit is on probation for 18 months.

Police Officer: Workplace Atmosphere (01:43)

Null works a 12 hour shift, which can be extended depending what has happened during the shift. Twenty-four hour shifts may be required in emergencies. Officers are respectful of rank.

Police Officer: Advice for Aspiring Pros (00:55)

Prepare for a career in law enforcement by doing well in school and staying in shape. Take criminal justice courses, and work internships.

Police Officer: A Day on the Job(02:19)

Null's atypical position consists of rotating shifts, which is hard with a family. Duties change depending on if he is working the day or the night shift.

Police Officer: Industry Goals and Services (02:22)

Null says law enforcement is in the business of customer service, which includes taking people to jail and saving lives.

Police Officer: Industry Challenges (02:26)

Depending on the agency, providing service in an "ever-changing society" proves to be difficult. Hear about the challenges of dealing with violent people.

Police Officer: Looking at the Future (01:51)

The primary focus of law enforcement is to protect property and save lives. How to accomplish this may change going forward. Finding people who want to go into and stay in this career is challenging.

Description

What is it like to be a police fficer? In this Career Q&A video interview, Jason Null talks about his career path, what he does on the job, and the keys to success in the field. He also offers candid advice on breaking into the profession as well as insight into the industry’s biggest challenges and how the field may change in the next ten years.